Sweden Sets Out Six Requirements for Young Foreigners Seeking Working Holiday Visa

Sweden has outlined six key requirements for young foreigners seeking to obtain a residence permit under its Working Holiday programme.

The scheme allows eligible young people to live in Sweden for up to one year while taking up temporary employment during their stay. However, employment must not be the main purpose of the visit.

According to the Swedish Migration Agency, the programme is currently available to citizens of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea who are between 18 and 30 years old. Nigeria is not among the countries covered by Sweden’s existing youth exchange agreements.

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Valid passport: Applicants must possess a valid passport from an eligible country.
2. Eligible nationality: Applicants must be citizens of one of the six countries covered by Sweden’s working holiday agreements.
3. Age requirement: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
4. Proof of funds: Applicants must demonstrate that they have at least SEK 15,000 available to support themselves when they initially arrive in Sweden.
5. Return ticket: Applicants must have a return ticket or demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to purchase one.
6. Health insurance: Applicants must have comprehensive health insurance covering the duration of their stay. The insurance must cover urgent medical treatment, hospitalisation, emergency dental care and medical repatriation.

Australian citizens are exempt from the comprehensive health insurance requirement under the programme.

Successful applicants can receive a residence permit for a maximum of one year, and the permit cannot be extended. The current application fee is SEK 1,500.

The Swedish Migration Agency also requires applicants to submit documents including passport copies, a recent bank statement, proof of a return ticket or funds to purchase one, and evidence of comprehensive health insurance where applicable.

The agency advises applicants to ensure that their documentation is complete before submission. Applications may be made through its online service or, where necessary, through a Swedish embassy or consulate-general.

For Nigerians and citizens of other countries not covered by Sweden’s working holiday agreements, alternative immigration routes would be required to live and work legally in Sweden.